Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is very common, and usually is a mild illness. It is not related to the disease of a similar name that affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other 'cloven-hooved' animals.

It causes blisters on the hands, feet, in the mouth. Blisters can also be in the nappy area of young children.

Hand, foot and mouth disease can be caused by several other viruses.

It mostly occurs in warmer weather, and tends to spread easily where a lot of young children are together, such as in a child care setting.

Once a child has had the infection he or she is not likely to get it again, but because the same rash can be caused by several different viruses it can appear that a child is having the same infection again.

A child who has the infection may have a fever, be unwilling to eat or drink because of ulcers in the mouth, have a runny nose and sore throat, and not have much energy. The fever can be high, but often is mild.

Blisters on the hands and feet, and ulcers or blisters in the mouth appear 1-2 days after the first symptoms and may last for 2 – 7 days.

The blisters often appear in the nappy (genital) area and sometimes also on the upper arms, upper legs and bottoms of children.

Because of the sore mouth, the child may refuse to take some foods and drinks.

Most adults will have had the infection in childhood, but if they catch it they will usually have the ulcers in their mouth, but less commonly have the rash.

Offer plenty of drinks. Avoid drinks like orange juice, which is acidic and can cause pain if the mouth has ulcers. Your child may prefer cold drinks, including cold milk drinks, or ice blocks (these can be made with milk). It does not matter if children do not eat for a day or so if they are having some drinks.

See your doctor if your child is unwell, or has a bad headache that persists, or a high fever.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex.